Bamahane is a military magazine published in Israel and subsidized by the country’s Armed Forces. (Sort of like an Israeli version of Stars and Stripes). So when military brass saw the latest issue—which included a feature on soldiers who don drag after clocking out—they blew their stack.

The article interviewed three active duty soldiers who slip into drag after their shifts. It was illustrated by photos, including one of a soldier in military uniform wearing a gas mask and red, over-the-knee boots with see-through high heels.

A spokesman says that the magazine must now submit articles for approval before publication. Technically the army’s Chief of the Education and Youth Corps is supposed to vet articles that’s never really been enforced.

Israel has accepted gay and lesbian soldiers isince 1993—and in fact the military recognizes same-sex couples, including widows, and allows soldiers to participate in Pride marches. So it seems this would be a case at the army balking about something it fines unseemly, rather than illicit.

So what’s the big deal? We always thought a battalion of drag-queen commandos would be the perfect way to make uptight, homophobic enemies pee their pants.

While the article here doesn’t really go into detail, I’d have to imagine that at least a good portion of the military reaction is due to the fact that the soldier is wearing a uniform. When I was in the US Army, we took uniforms very seriously, and the idea of being photographed mixing military and civilian gear like that would not have gone over well regardless of what civilian clothing it was. The only time I recall seeing anyone wearing anything other than the proper boots with their uniforms were people with foot or ankle injuries, and occasionally people engaging in sports where tennis shoes were required.

Thanks for this story :-) For those interested – http://OUTmilitary.com has been providing a supportive environment for friending, sharing and networking between Gay active military, vets and supporters since December, 2010.

I read on this very web site, just a few days ago, that Israel was the most pro-gay place in the world, a garden of Eden of tolerance in the midst of savage Muslim hordes who daily threaten the gays who Israel lovingly accepts and celebrates at every possible moment.

You mean to say that was all bullshit, and it’s really just another homophobic country?